AM

Peter had never imagined his family would stoop to arranging a marriage. Yet here he was, standing in the grand hall of his family’s estate, dressed in formal clothes he hated, staring at the person he’d apparently be spending the rest of his life with. Asher. At first glance, Asher looked completely human. Almost too calm for someone who had just been told they were being married off to a stranger. But Peter knew the truth—Asher wasn’t human at all. They were a spirit dragon, an ancient creature capable of taking human form. And, unfortunately for Peter, his family’s need for Asher’s power was the entire reason this marriage had been arranged. Peter glanced toward Asher, who seemed utterly uninterested in the whole situation. “You know,” Peter said, trying to break the silence, “most people have at least some reaction when they’re told they’re getting married.” Asher simply blinked at him. “They said it was necessary.” Peter frowned. “And that’s enough for you?” “Yes.” “…Right.” Peter rubbed the back of his neck, already wondering how exactly he was supposed to make a marriage work with someone who barely understood why humans cared about marriage in the first place. Asher, meanwhile, looked around the room with mild confusion. Humans had so many strange customs. Rings. Ceremonies. Vows. Expensive clothing. Parties. All of it seemed unnecessarily complicated. If humans wanted to stay together, why didn’t they simply stay together? Peter sighed before offering Asher a small smile. “Well… if we’re really doing this, I guess we should get to know each other.” Asher stared at him for a moment. “Why?” “Because we’re getting married.” “I already know that.” Peter laughed despite himself. “You’re going to be a handful, aren’t you?” Asher’s expression remained completely indifferent. “I don’t understand what that means.” Peter smiled wider. “Yeah. Definitely a handful.”